How The Shift To Digital Gaming Has Undermined Value

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Moiz Banoori

At Tech4Gamers, he is recognized for his insightful features and opinion pieces, where he blends his passion for gaming with a keen understanding of technological trends. His work, marked by depth and accessibility, makes him a respected voice in the tech and gaming community.

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Growing up as a gamer, I’ve watched the gaming landscape shift dramatically from physical to digital. There was a time when buying a new game was a big deal: saving up, holding that cartridge or disc, and proudly adding it to my collection. Each game felt like a meaningful addition to my library.

As digital sales are now dominating the market, the UK supermarkets Tesco and GameStop Ireland have ceased the sale of physical video games due to a significant shift towards digital gaming.

This rapid evolution, while impressive, has brought with it a troubling trend: the disposability of games. In this article, I will explain the implications of this shift and offer suggestions for how we might reclaim the value that seems to be slipping away.

The Shift From Collectibles To Consumables

Take, for example, when I finally got my hands on The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, the best game of all time, for the Nintendo 64 back in 1998. I eagerly saved up for the game, and holding that physical cartridge felt like having a piece of gaming history.

Similarly, Final Fantasy VII for the PlayStation in 1997 was a significant investment, and many players cherished the game. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has recently become the highest-rated game of 2024 on Metacritic, showcasing the series’ enduring appeal.

Square Enix is considering using Unreal Engine 5 for the trilogy’s finale to ensure an exceptional experience. However, we should keep these games in pristine condition and remember them fondly.

But today, the gaming landscape feels drastically different, with subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus games being more accessible. However, Sony’s CEO believes that game subscriptions are less valuable than video streaming services because gamers typically focus on one game at a time.

I found myself downloading and playing games like Returnal from my subscription service, but I switched to the next title within hours because the game didn’t meet expectations. This ease of access often results in games being played briefly and then forgotten, lacking the lasting impact of earlier titles.

While subscriptions could make gaming more affordable in the future, analysts believe they won’t dominate the industry due to stagnation over the past two years. Other models, like one-time purchases and cheaper ad-supported services, are expected to remain more prevalent.

The Challenge Of Preservation In A Digital Age

Preserving video games is crucial. Unlike the physical media of the past, many modern games rely on online servers to function. Once those servers are shut down, the games become inaccessible.

This reality hit me hard with the shutdown of Atlas Rogues. Although many players loved the game, it vanished almost as quickly as it appeared, highlighting how rapidly digital games can become obsolete.

Preserving games isn’t just about keeping access to them; it’s about maintaining their cultural and historical significance. Games that have shaped the industry or resonated deeply with players deserve to be remembered.

However, the risk of losing valuable titles grows as the industry shifts towards short-term engagement and monetization.

Rediscovering The Value Of Games

So, what can we do to reclaim the value that seems to be slipping away? Here are some ideas based on my observations:

1. Support Full Purchases: While subscription services are convenient, buying games outright helps give them more value. It’s a way to connect more deeply with the game and support its developers.
2. Foster Community Engagement: Building strong, dedicated communities around games can help them endure. Games with passionate fan bases are more likely to be remembered and preserved.
3. Embrace Quality Over Quantity: Games succeed by tapping into players’ nostalgia and craving for quality. By prioritizing substantial experiences over fleeting ones, we can shift the industry’s focus toward lasting appeal.
4. Encourage Thoughtful Gaming Experiences: Explore and appreciate games that offer unique and memorable experiences instead of rushing through the latest releases.

By shifting our focus from immediate satisfaction to enduring enjoyment, we can ensure that gaming remains about more than just playing. Let’s work towards a future to ensure that we remember and cherish every game.

Moiz Banoori

Moiz Banoori, with a decade of experience in gaming and tech journalism and a degree in journalism, is a notable figure in the industry. He has contributed to various esteemed platforms, showcasing his expertise in both reporting and opinion writing.